Documents suggest future Microsoft platform will mandate motion sensing peripheral, game installs; will feature 500GB hard drive and allow multiple games to be played at once.

The Xbox 720 rumor floodgates are pouring over. A source speaking to Kotaku and going by the name of SuperDaE has reportedly obtained two Xbox 720 development kits as well as system overview documents, which detail the specifications of Microsoft's still-unannounced next-generation platform.

The first bit of information from the source claims the Xbox 720 will require Kinect to function. According to the source, an updated and improved version of Kinect will ship with every unit sold and will not be an optional accessory, as the motion-sensing device currently is for Xbox 360. For the Xbox 720, gamers will need to have the new Kinect plugged in and calibrated for the console to function at all, the source said.

This mandatory Kinect implementation for the Xbox 720 will reportedly be a benefit for developers. Because every system is guaranteed to have a Kinect unit, studios can program their games with the technology in mind, the source said.

As for specifications, the new version of Kinect is reportedly able to track up to six individuals in the same room at all times. In addition, the peripheral's camera will be able to independently track thumbs, allowing it to know whether a player's hand is open or closed. The camera can also read facial expressions, the documents said, meaning it can tell if a player is angry, sad, or excited.

Another reportedly mandatory feature for the Xbox 720 will be game installs. On Xbox 360, players have the choice of whether or not they wish to install a game to their hard drives. Sometimes doing so yields various benefits. To accommodate the heavy and numerous downloads, all Xbox 720 systems will ship with a 500GB hard drive, the documents said. In addition, games can reportedly be installed in the background.

In addition, the Xbox 720 will reportedly be able to simultaneously run more than one game or application. This is nothing new for smartphones or PCs, but would be a first for any console. The documents reportedly state Xbox 720 games can be put into "suspend" and "constrained" modes, which allow players to pause a game, switch to another title, then return to the first without losing any save information.

Concerning the Xbox 720's controller, Microsoft is reportedly readying a "natural evolution" of the Xbox 360 input, according to the source's information. Xbox 360 controllers will reportedly not work with the next platform, due to Microsoft's "new wireless technology."

As for Xbox 720 specifications, the machine will reportedly run on a custom hardware architecture that features an 8-core, 64-bit CPU running at 1.6GHz. The system also supposedly boasts an 800mhz Direct X 11.x GPU, 8GB of DDR3 memory, and a 50GB optical disc drive. The platform will also reportedly feature built-in Wi-Fi (though it will also sport an ethernet port), as well as support for stereo 3D content in 1080p. Audio will be handled by either HDMI or optical connections and can support up to 7.1 channels, the source said.

Additionally, no mention was made today of whether or not the Xbox 720 would require a constant Internet connection, as was previously rumored.

The Xbox 720 has not been announced and the above information is, of course, not confirmed. A Microsoft representative told GameSpot, "We do not comment on rumors or speculation. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform, but we don’t have anything further to share at this time."

Fuck this, I just switched to pc gaming and guess it's a good thing I did, i was planning on just playing exclusives to consoles and any game I condone to be better but fuck that for xbox 720, i hope microsoft dies

Well with new tech for console and kenct they made it more expensive and less accessable to the public who would LOVE a console to replace their PC. I think Sony and Microsoft missed the mark here however it looks as if Sony is not forcing people to buy costly gimmicks.

That said this Xbox fanboi likely will go Sony this time around. My money goes to what I want. period.

Now if someone would actually make a console that could replace a PC for practical applications. (like a form of Word and video editing for software and keyboards,mouses and printers for optional hardware)

Hate to break it to everyone but the details of this article are pretty much spot on. My brother is a game dev & has been working with the 720 for a while now. It's also true that the new xbox WILL require constant internet connection. When his team quizzed the rep from Microsoft what happens when you move & need to set up a new internet connection or your connection is down, his response? "Not our problem that's what users should keep their 360's for!"

Well done Microsoft keep it up you morons and all Google will have to do to make you irrelevant is release a Google Console...sigh

I have no desire to use kinect. I have my 360 set up to plug into my PC monitor so I play it on a desk like playing PC games with a controller. A part from having no interest in the move controls (I have tried kinect, by the way), it isn't really workable in a space like my room, its more of a living room thing to be properly calibrated. All I hope is that the inclusion of kinect with every console doesn't drive up the price a super amount.

My main contention about new consoles? The games! I'll just be hanging back, waiting for the games and exclusives, and when I do pick up a new console, my choice will be based on that

Look over there in the horizon over yonder... What could that be? Why it's the fall of the gaming industry *overly hyped-exaggerated gasp*. I definatly will not be buying anymore consoles if this is true. I rarely play my xbox now as it is. PC never failed me and will continue to supply me with my gaming addictions as much, if not moreso, than any console, save the nintendo and super nintend systems, could ever. This is going to put a major crimp on the gaming industry as we know it. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if the second video game crash isn't too far off, and I'm going to say right up front the indie devs are going to be excluded since they are actually whats going to save the gaming industry, kinda like nintendo eh?

I still use the first xbox and the PS2. I like my PS3 and think I'll still be playing it long after the 720 and PS4 are released. I am saving judgement until these machines are released and I get to see them in action.

If sony still doesn't charge you for multiplayer and doesn't require the move ,but Microsoft will for theirs I'm going back to sony. did ps1 xbox bought a ps2 when it was dirt cheap for exclusives, then the 360. Halo is the only thing that holds me to xbox at this point.

The mandatory kinect connection is not a deal breaker for me since it will be sold with every console. Of the rumors that I've heard, blocking used games and requiring a constant online connection are the features that would keep me from buying one.

I have nothing against consoles, but I think people are getting a bit too obsessed with them and forgetting what the greatest thing for gaming is - a computer. Can it not run amazing games? Can it not be played without the use of "controllers", and with a mouse? Is gaming not the only thing it can do well? I have a PSP and that is probably the console I'll ever get (okay, I have to admit, I would like a console, but there is no way for my parents to let me get one, and I'm only 12 so I can't get it myself, so - lost cause).

P.S.: People, be more positive when you say things. I mean, just because you had a crappy day at work it doesn't mean that you have to pour your stress in forums.

@Prince_of_Mists that's fine. Also means I do not have to purchase it. If Kinect is required the new tech will cost alot on top of the new console tech. Apparently even though I really do NOT like PLaystation thus far it seems whenever I do decide to upgrade it will be to Sony's new console. Mioght be a few years down the road because the current gen's gonna be nuts in price but otherwise yeah. Microsoft may just have totally screwed themselves.

What is worse that in this economy? You'd want accessability. They are driving off potential buyers with this. In this economy you'd want a console to be more like a PC and NOT a Neo Geo.

@chrisangelo2k7 I thought that same thing when I first saw the Kinect: I like sitting and holding my controller. But, there has been a recent movement to a lot of optional voice commanding in games that I think would allow us to not break a sweat while still enjoying the Kinect part.

@House86 Rumors that Live will be free on next gen for the GAMES. Microsoft is planning on allowing us to browse the web and watch pretty much anything on TV, and downloads. That part of live will most likely be were they make back the money. Just my opinion but wtf Bungie took away theier classic halo music in the new Halo.

@WithoutGraceXII@Prince_of_Mists and I got three cousins and six nieces and 12 brothers and 23 Micheal Jordans that says that your comments are most likely a total joke because anyone can say that... like me. =)

Well I stand by what my brother has told me thus far and for now at least everything he's mentioned to me has later appeared in games media sites like Gspot etc. I guess only time will tell who's right...

Given the number of fantasists & liars on the internet I can understand your cynicism and disbelief at my brothers job & perhaps I was niave to use that phrase even though it's true but as the news continues to pour in

@chrisangelo2k7@paulsifer42 Chances are it'll be optional just like it is now. We don't spell it Micro$oft for nothing. They want money, and most gamers aren't too in to dancing around or yelling while people are sleeping. I'm just saying that movement probably won't be part of many games and voice command will be optional. Things aren't as bad as you think.